Roberto De Zerbi expects Brighton to lose key gamers in the summertime however doesn’t really feel Moises Caicedo has added incentive to impress throughout Sunday’s Premier League conflict with Arsenal.
Influential midfielder Caicedo expressed his need to depart Albion amid January bids from the title-chasing Gunners however subsequently signed a brand new contract on the Amex Stadium after the gives have been rejected.
The 21-year-old Ecuador worldwide and Argentina’s World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister, 24, proceed to be closely linked with rival golf equipment forward of the switch window opening subsequent month.
Seagulls head coach De Zerbi has already begun planning for subsequent season, having final week clinched the signing of Brazilian ahead Joao Pedro from Watford for a reported payment of just about £30million.
The Italian is braced for some big-name departures within the coming months however needs his squad absolutely targeted on a tough weekend journey to Emirates Stadium and the continued push for Europe.
“I don’t know what will happen next season but I think if you want to improve your team, you have to decide (make plans) before the next season,” he stated.
“I think we will lose some important players and we have to be ready to restart stronger than this season.”
Asked if Caicedo has additional motivation to carry out in north London, De Zerbi replied “No, I think no.
“He’s playing for Brighton now and only Brighton. I have no doubts but I want only players focused in our team and our club.
“He’s playing very well. He always is one of the best players on the pitch.”
Pedro’s imminent arrival in a club-record deal was confirmed earlier than Brighton’s Europa League quest was broken by a 5-1 thrashing by the hands of relegation-threatened Everton.
De Zerbi believes the switch is a press release of intent as Albion bid to construct on the most effective league marketing campaign within the membership’s 122-year historical past.
“Joao Pedro is a very important signal,” he stated.
“I spoke with him last month and I am really pleased to work next year with him. I think Joao Pedro can be a top player for us.
“He’s a young player and he’s a right player for us. It’s a good deal for Brighton.”
Brighton have damage issues forward of the journey to the capital, with Solly March and Adam Webster becoming a member of Tariq Lamptey, Adam Lallana, Jakub Moder and Jeremy Sarmiento on the sidelines, whereas Joel Veltman is a doubt.
Webster’s absence ought to end in a recall for on-loan Chelsea defender Levi Colwill.
Although England Under-21 worldwide Colwill is anticipated to stay at Stamford Bridge subsequent time period, De Zerbi hopes to maintain maintain of him.
“I would like to work with him another two, three, four years because it’s difficult to find another left centre-back with his quality,” he stated.
“He’s a good guy. This year his improvement has been fantastic and I hope he can stay with us.”
Seventh-placed Brighton will bid to dent Arsenal’s title pursuit by bouncing again from Monday’s embarrassing heavy loss to the lowly Toffees.
While De Zerbi is a giant admirer of Mikel Arteta’s males, he’s optimistic about registering a second away win of the season in opposition to the Gunners following November’s 3-1 Carabao Cup success.
“Arsenal are one of the best teams in the Premier League,” he stated.
“They play in a clear way. I like them in terms of style of play, I love this style.
“But we are playing well and we have the quality to reach the result.
“We are fighting for the Europa League. If you are fighting for a dream, every game is tough.”
